Scammers try to trick you by claiming to be from a security team
Scammers’ methods are evolving and becoming more sophisticated with each attempt. Something that is becoming increasingly common is a mix, a so-called hybrid, where they use both phone calls and text messages in fraud attempts. Several persons are part of the call and create the illusion that you are being transferred to the bank’s security team. The scammers’ ultimate goal is to make you use your personal electronic identification method or transfer money.
An alarming text message is a common opening
An attempted scam can start with a text message from a well-known company. It may appear to be from a debt collection company, a bank or an electricity provider. The text message claims that you have done something – it may involve a loan application, an unpaid bill or a recent purchase. A link or a telephone number is provided in the text message.
"The purpose of the text message is to trigger a reaction from you as you have not done what the text message says. The scammers hope that you will call the number or click on the link right away," says Amalia Krantz, a fraud expert at Nordea.
Transfer you to the claimed security unit
The phone number in the text message will not take you to the alleged company, but to the scammers. Here the manipulation continues, and a recurring method is that the scammers offer to transfer you to the bank’s security team. This transfer also takes you to the scammers who claim to work for the bank.
In this conversation the scammers set up various scenarios to stress you even more. This can be a virus, a cyber attack or something similar. To make it stop, you are urged to install an anti-virus program or a screen sharing program that you get a link to via a text message. It is also common that you are urged to transfer your money to a “safe account”.
"Unfortunately, the scammers are really clever on the phone and sound confidence inspiring. The longer the phone call lasts, the greater the risk of falling for their trick," says Amalia Krantz.
Check the number yourself, call back and dare to hang up
Stress and pressure are some of the scammers’ most important tools. And by providing either a link or a phone number in the text message they pretend to be helpful. However, be healthily suspicious when you receive an unexpected text message or phone call urging you to take action. Think about looking up the company’s number and not calling the number in the text message. Or visit the website to log in instead of clicking on a link in a text message.
Not to stress is easier said than done, but it is an equally important defence against scammers. To think again and ask yourself “is this reasonable” – and if you are still uncertain, call the official number of the alleged sender and check.